Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) is adding four more sizes, all with VF technology, to the AgriMax V-Flecto tire for high-powered tractors.

Despite lingering uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and other factors, “there has been very strong demand for products in the ag market,” says Doug Kershaw, vice president of BKT USA Inc. In this MTD exclusive, Kershaw discusses the impact of the pandemic on BKT’s North American ag tire business, the current state of ag tire demand in the U.S. and Canada and more.

QUESTION: In four-wheel-drive (4WD) tractor applications, if an implement requires 550 horsepower (hp) and standard dual tires are not providing adequate traction — and you can’t go wider with triples — what is your recommendation?

When Clint Berardi asks growers if they understand increased flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF) tire technology, the response is usually, “No.”

Uncertainty about ag tire load speed index continues to abound. A tire with too low of a load/speed index leads to overloading the tire, premature wear, accidents and spills. The best advice: "be real" about the machine's use to determine an accurate load index.

When Alton Degenhardt suggested lower inflation pressures of farm equipment tires would reduce soil compaction, his customers were skeptical.